How Sunless Tanner Works: Tan-In-A-Can Chemistry - Bytesize Science

In our last episode, we learned that tanning can potentially lead to skin cancer or premature aging, so maybe you're weighing your other options. How about some of that tan-in-a-can that gives you all the bronzed results without the UV exposure? The secret of sunless tanner can be found in the active ingredient, a natural three-carbon sugar called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. DHA's pigment altering effects were discovered in the mid 1950's by researcher Eva Wittgenstein. The browning is caused by the so-called Maillard reaction. Well known to food scientists, this reaction occurs when amino acids interact with sugars to create brown or golden brown compounds, like when you bake bread or cook a steak on the grill. In our latest video, we unravel the chemistry and history behind this popular product and shed light... or maybe the lack of light, on the deep tan that it produces in your skin.

[@michelle-ct2nt]

Exactly the random 1 Am questions I have internet to answer. Wonderfully done :)

[@epp96]

5am here 😂😭

[@katherinnesTV]

Thank you! This is exactly the kind of video I was looking for to educate myself!

[@naxel37]

This is insane, this video should have thousands of views and likes. Such a great job.

[@nobodyhere4667]

Only one video on youtube about this subject that isn't a commercial by some plastics and the video doesn't work. Thanks youtube, why am I paying for a subscription again?

[@oskarwinters1873]

DHA is in manuka honey can you explain the difference between naturally occuring DHA and those made via acetobacter sub oxidants. And why one is safe and not the other. It's the same chemical after all.

[@joyousskincaresunlesstanni9773]

Who would I talk with about ading this to my web site and channel?

[@bugra9794]

12 yrs ago damm

[@leewilliam3417]

Mmmmm😊

[@jaderose3175]

Technically it was discovered in the 1920s

[@yasssgawwwd5643]

9 years later… Fakebake.

[@californiadoll6273]

So basically it's just dead skin that gets dark therefore you seem darker. I've never liked self tanning because it feels like dirt on the skin today I was proven right. I'll stick to laying outside in the sun

[@lucas.2monthsagoedited491]

Sun tanning darkens dead skin aswell

[@RynaxAlien]

Real sunless tan? What Trump uses? Go vegan

[@omenwhisper]

Best explanation ever! 🤍